Virginia creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch., is a vine that is often mistaken for poison ivy, Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze., but the easiest way to tell the apart in the number of leaflets. The rule of thumb, ‘leaves of three leave it be,’ is a warning that helps identify poison ivy while the specific epithet of Virginia creeper refers to the five palmately arranged leaflets. When Virginia creeper runs along the ground and secondary the secondary branches are said to resemble ginseng, Panax quinquefolius L. Look for Virginia creeper when the leaves are changing because its scarlet color can be seen on the trunks and large branches of some trees as their own covering of leaves thins. Even though it is in the grape family the nearly black berries of Virginia creeper are somewhat toxic.